Start Ups: The First Five Years & Preparing For Growth

This month`s Talking Heads event at Headspace saw an exclusive panel of legal experts from Lee & Thompson who delivered an informative, lively and interactive workshop about business growth to young creative companies. `The First Five Years & Preparing For Growth` offered some practical pointers and real-world examples on setting up a start-up, employment law considerations and IP/brand protection matters.

Lucy Strauss, a Corporate & Commercial lawyer explained typical shareholder models in new businesses and the differentiation between shareholders and investors. Lucy stressed the importance of putting legal agreements in place for shareholder arrangements and even the confidentiality of company information. Lucy also set this in the context of when a co-founder may leave for another job and how to protect your business.

David Andrews, an Employment lawyer, gave a great `carrot and stick` analogy to break down the key methods of protecting a new business from a whole host of staffing issues. David went on to explain how to approach contracts for employees and consultants. He then talked about incentives, confidentiality breaches and problems associated with the `gig economy` working patterns we are increasingly seeing.

Dominic Bray, a litigator, shed light on the brand protection matters that business owner/managers must be aware of in the early years, particularly in this digital age. Dominic reflected on the uncertainty of BrexIt is implications on trademarking and even the impact of the `domainers` as new businesses seek out domain names.

The Headspace Community had plenty of questions to throw at our experts. It was the perfect forum discussing how to grow their brands and business.